Mount Clemens hosts awesome New Year's Eve party

On the 31st anniversary of meeting, Jerry and Roberta “Birdie” Kilgore of Algonac celebrated New Year’s Eve with a few thousand people in downtown Mount Clemens on Monday night.

“It’s awesome -- the fireworks are always great, the band is always great and the people are always great,” Birdie Kilgore said moments before the clock-tower on Main Street struck midnight to usher in 2013.

Her husband agreed.“We’re originally from Mount Clemens and we always come back home to the Clem for New Year’s Eve,” Jerry Kilgore said.

They were among an estimated 5,500 people who turned out for the 19th annual Macomb County New Year’s Eve Gala that featured live music from the band Eastside Westside, along with karaoke, and a colorful fireworks display that illuminated the skies.

The crowd didn’t seem to mind being outside for the late-night party even as the thermometer dipped to 28 degrees and felt colder with the wind factored in. While some wore formal wear, most were bundled up with hats, gloves and scarves to stay warm as they danced and cheered for the event.

“I give it a thumbs up,” said Ayla Coats, who attended with her sister, Cerise Coats, and friend Jamie Kleinhans.

Many of the city’s renowned bars and restaurants were also packed with party-goers, most of whom ventured outdoors in the minutes leading up to the midnight display.

At Seeburger’s Cheeseburgers, several groups of people warmed up with food and conversation as they looked back on the previous 12 months and speculated on what the future holds.

“I hate to see it end,” said Harrison Township resident Charlie Rose, who was with a group of people. “If it was 2012 forever, I’d never get beyond being 72.”

Famed local automotive historian John “Top Hat” Jendza felt likewise.

“My year was fabulous -- all the years were great,” he said. “All I can say is I’m happy to be here. God bless America, brother.”

During the gala, members of the Downtown Development Authority were busy selling 50/50 raffle tickets that helped finance the fireworks show. The tickets went at a brisk pace right up until the time of the drawing with about $6,900 worth sold. The female winner took home about $3,400.

A number of retail outlets that stayed open for New Year’s Eve had a steady stream of visitors as the night went on. At Tis Country on Macomb Place, owner Peggy Winfield and worker Judy Akers were pleased to see the foot traffic even though they grew tired in the later hours.

“It’s been a pretty good crowd all night, but we are tired and getting ready to go home,” Winfield said late Monday.

Earlier Monday evening, hundreds of families enjoyed the DDA’s first New Year’s Eve in Never Never Land, a five-hour event filled with special characters visiting restaurants, a petting zoo, magic show, and a brief fireworks display. DDA officials said the overwhelming popularity of the event means it will become a permanent addition to the Mount Clemens holiday lineup.